South African-based DWR Distribution takes pleasure in welcoming Callan van Zyl to the Johannesburg sales team.
Callan is a skilled sound engineer, rentals manager and product listings manager with a background in the live and film events industry. A love for audio came naturally to him, and during high school headed the sound team before studying Sound Engineering at Damelin where he graduated as one of the top six in his class.
Career-wise Callan has found fulfillment in various roles within the industry. Highlights included starting his own mobile DJ company, and then working at Gearhouse IVTM, which specializes in the technical supply of conferences and events, for five years, taking care of events ranging from conferences to live bands. “I was a senior AV, audio and lighting technician, a junior project manager and the client’s go-to guy on site,” he smiles, and won't easily forget the thrill of the standing ovations and seeing events pull together. Callan also worked as a rentals manager at Southern Lighting, and for the past three years at Broadcast Lighting where he expanded his knowledge in the photography and videography side of the industry, while also focusing on building relationships with clients, logistics and sales.
With the South African live events market picking up intensely over the past year, DWR Distribution’s Director of Sales, Robert Izzett, had been searching for a new candidate to help the sales team. When Callan put his hat in the ring, Robert was quick to offer him a position, not only appreciating his passion and technical knowhow but importantly his friendly and likable approach. “Callan’s past experience at companies like IVTM give him a good grounding and his great attitude makes him part of the family,” said Robert.
Callan looks forward to the new chapter in his life and says, “I remember a few familiar faces from my Gearhouse days. I am happy to be here, and it feels like home already.”
On the personal side, Callan is a proud dad and husband. As for hobbies, DWR has employed yet another gamer! He was very pleased to meet his wife a few years ago when they first started playing together online, and he is an active part of the gaming community, setting up The Trooperz three years ago which today has 44 members!